Sealable and peelable film structure

ABSTRACT

A sealable and peelable film, including at least (a) a core layer containing a peelable blend (b) a pair of outer layers, at least one of which is a sealable outer layer, each independently containing a thermoplastic polymer. The peelable blend of the core layer (a) may contain (i) from 20-80 wt % of a polyethylene and (ii) from 80-20 wt % of a polyolefin incompatible with polyethylene (i), or it may contain (i) from 10-35 wt % of ethylene-α-olefin elastomer and (ii) from 90-65 wt % of propylene homopolymer. The film may also include an intermediate layer containing a propylene homopolymer, wherein the intermediate layer is positioned between the core layer containing the peelable blend and the sealable outer layer.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to thermoplastic film structures that are sealableand peelable, and to methods of manufacturing the same.

A peelable film structure is described in publication WO 96/04178. Thefilm structure comprises (a) a core layer comprising an olefin polymerand (b) a heat-sealable layer comprising a blend of low densitypolyethylene (LDPE) and a material incompatible with the LDPE, such asan olefin polymer or a co- or terpolymer of ethylene, propylene orbutene. The film structure can be heat-sealed to a plastic container toform the lid of the container, or to itself to form a package. It isdisclosed that when used with a plastic container, the film structurecan be readily peeled from the container in order to open it.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,358,792 discloses a heat-sealable composition comprising(a) from about 30 to about 70 wt % of a low-melting polymer comprising avery low density ethylene-based copolymer defined by a density in therange of about 0.88 g/cm³ to about 0.915 g/cm³, a melt index in therange of about 1.5 dg/min to about 7.5 dg/min, a molecular weightdistribution (M_(w)/M_(n)) no greater than about 3.5 and (b) from about70 to about 30 wt % of a propylene-based polymer.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,443,915 discloses an oriented, polyolefin film that hasa white-opaque cold seal-receptive skin layer on one side of a corelayer and a vacuum deposited metal layer on the other side of the corelayer. The cold seal-receptive polyolefin layer contains: (a) a slipagent in an amount sufficient to provide not more than about an 0.4coefficient of friction to the surface of such layer; and (b) from about10 to 40 wt % of titanium dioxide. The core layer is substantially freeof opacifying filler and/or opacifying voids. The other side of the filmis metallized to an optical density of at least 1.5, whereby the whitepigment in the sealing layer in cooperation with the metallization givesa strong white-opaque appearance to the cold seal receptive layer.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,482,780 discloses an oriented polymeric α-olefin filmhaving: an isotactic propylene homopolymer core; a cold seal releaseskin layer adherent to one side of the core; and a surface treated coldseal receptive layer or such treated layer with a cold seal cohesivecomposition over the surface treatment of said layer on the other sideof the core. The cold seal release skin layer comprises a slip agent anda blend of two polymers, namely, an ethylene-propylene random copolymercontaining about 2% to 8% of ethylene in such copolymer and anethylene-butylene copolymer containing about 0.5% to 6% of ethylene insuch copolymer. The cold seal receptive layer is of anethylene-propylene random copolymer containing about 2 to 8% ofethylene.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,500,265 discloses a peelable film comprising (a) a corelayer comprising an olefin polymer, (b) a skin layer on at least onesurface of the core layer, the skin layer comprising: a blend of abutylene polymer with another olefin polymer or a polymer of butyleneand at least one other olefin, and (c) a coating layer on the skinlayer.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,716,698 relates to a peelable, oriented, opaque,multilayer polyolefin film comprising at least one opaque layer and apeelable top layer. All layers of the film are essentially vacuole-free.The opaque layer contains pigments having a mean particle diameter offrom 0.01 to 1 μm.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,997,968 discloses a multilayer polyolefin filmcomprising at least three coextruded layers comprising an opaque baselayer, an intermediate layer, and an outer peelable surface layercomposed of two incompatible polyolefins, wherein the intermediate layercontains at least 80% by weight of a polyolefin having a lower meltingpoint or lower glass transition temperature than the polyolefin formingthe base layer.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,231,975 discloses a sealable film that comprises: (a) aninner layer comprising an olefin polymer; (b) a sealing layer, and (c) aseparable layer positioned between the inner layer and the sealinglayer, the separable layer comprising (1) ethylene-propylene blockcopolymer or (2) a blend of polyethylene and another olefin which isincompatible with the polyethylene, specifically either (i)polypropylene homopolymer or (ii) ethylene-propylene block copolymer.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,248,442 relates to multilayer films that areheat-sealable over a broad temperature range. The '442 patent alsorelates to multilayer films that provide easy-opening and hermetic sealsto packages. The films of the '442 patent are made up of a core layercomprising linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) and at least one skinlayer having a melting point of at least 10° C. below the core layermelting point.

There is still room for improvement, however, in the field of sealableand peelable film structures. In particular, a need still exists for afilm structure that maximizes the advantageous combination of (i) asealable outer layer that seals well to itself or other surfaces over abroad temperature range and (ii) a particular multilayer design thatpermits (a) separation of the sealed outer layer from at least one otherlayer of the film and (b) the seal to be readily opened without creatinga “z-direction” tear.

A z-direction tear disrupts the integrity of a multilayer film when thefilm is pulled apart at the seal. A film with a z-direction tear has notsimply separated at the seal line. Instead, the separation, or tear, hasextended to other layers of the film. It is difficult to properlyreclose a package that has a z-direction tear, thereby hampering theability of the package to maintain the freshness of its contents. Whenz-direction tears can be eliminated, packages are easily refolded andsealed by simple mechanical means, such as a clip.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the invention to provide a thermoplastic filmstructure with a sealable outer layer that seals well over a broadtemperature range.

It is another object of the invention to provide a thermoplastic filmstructure with a sealable outer layer that, when sealed, can be readilyopened without creating a z-direction tear.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a thermoplastic filmstructure with multiple layers, including a core layer comprising apeelable, polyolefinic blend and a sealable outer layer that can besealed to itself or other surfaces, wherein the particular multilayerthermoplastic film structure permits separation of the sealable outerlayer from at least one other layer of the film.

It is yet another object of the invention to provide both clear andopaque thermoplastic film structures.

There is provided a sealable and peelable film, including at least (a) acore layer comprising a peelable blend comprising (i) from 20-80 wt % ofa polyethylene and (ii) from 80-20 wt % of a polyolefin incompatiblewith polyethylene (i) and (b) a pair of outer layers, at least one ofwhich is a sealable outer layer, each independently comprising athermoplastic polymer.

There is also provided a sealable and peelable film, including at least(a) a core layer comprising a peelable blend comprising (i) from 10-35wt % of an ethylene-α-olefin elastomer and (ii) from 90-65 wt % of apropylene homopolymer and (b) a pair of outer layers, at least one ofwhich is a sealable outer layer, each independently comprising athermoplastic polymer.

There is also provided an opaque, sealable and peelable film, includingat least (a) a cavitated first core layer comprising a thermoplasticpolymer and a cavitating agent; (b) a second core layer comprising apeelable blend comprising (i) from 20-80 wt % of a polyethylene and (ii)from 80-20 wt % of a polyolefin incompatible with polyethylene (i); and(c) a pair of outer layers, at least one of which is a sealable outerlayer, each independently comprising a thermoplastic polymer.

There is also provided an opaque, sealable and peelable film, includingat least (a) a cavitated first core layer comprising a thermoplasticpolymer and a cavitating agent; (b) a second core layer comprising apeelable blend comprising (i) from 10-35 wt % of an ethylene-α-olefinelastomer and (ii) from 90-65 wt % of a propylene homopolymer; and (c) apair of outer layers, at least one of which is a sealable outer layer,each independently comprising a thermoplastic polymer.

Sealable and peelable film structures according to the present inventionmay also include an intermediate layer comprising a propylenehomopolymer, wherein the intermediate layer is positioned between thecore layer comprising the peelable, polyolefinic blend and the sealableouter layer.

Once sealed, a sealable film without the present multilayer design isusually torn through, i.e., torn in the z-direction, to open the seal,especially when the area where the film is sealed is stronger than thefilm as a whole. With the sealable and peelable film structures of thisinvention, a seal can be opened without tearing the film in thez-direction because the particular multilayer structure of the presentfilms, including a core layer comprising a peelable, polyolefinic blend,permits the seal to be separated without tearing the film in thez-direction.

Thus, a particular advantage of the present sealable and peelable filmsis that they do not compromise the desired properties of a sealmaterial, such as hot tack and seal strength, because the presentsealable outer layer(s) may use ordinary seal materials to seal thefilm, and yet the films are still peelable.

For example, a sealable and peelable film structure according to thepresent invention may advantageously possess a peak crimp seal strengthbetween 300 g/in and 800 g/in, e.g., from 450 g/in to 750 g/in, and aratio of plateau crimp seal strength to peak crimp seal strength ofgreater than 60% and less than 100%, e.g., greater than 70% and lessthan 95%. These ranges identify a seal that is both strong and readilypeelable.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The sealable and peelable film structure includes a core layercomprising a peelable, polyolefinic blend.

In general, the presence of the peelable, polyolefinic blend in a corelayer means that there will be a weak bond between the core layer andadjacent layers on either side of the core layer so that stress appliedto the film structure after the film structure has been sealed willpromote destruction of the core layer and not its adjacent layers.Alternatively, the core layer comprising a peelable, polyolefinic blendmay have less cohesive strength than either of its adjacent layers,which causes the core layer to give way before either of its adjacentlayers. The term “peelable” is used herein to cover the class offilm-forming polyolefinic blends included in the core layer that allowthe layers adjacent to the core layer to be separated from the corelayer under stress as essentially integral layers.

The peelable polyolefinic blend comprises an ethylene polymer and apolyolefin incompatible with the ethylene polymer. The term“incompatible” is used in the ordinary sense both here and throughout,meaning that the ethylene polymer and the other polyolefin are twodistinct phases. The term “ethylene polymer,” as used here andthroughout, includes ethylene homo-, co- and terpolymers, including,among others, linear ethylene homopolymers, linear ethylene-α-olefincopolymers, and ethylene-α-olefin elastomers. Comonomers of the ethylenecopolymers, terpolymers, and elastomers can be C₃-C₁₂ olefins,preferably C₄-C₁₂ olefins.

More specifically, the ethylene polymer of the peelable polyolefinicblend may be ethylene-α-olefin block copolymer, ethylene-propyleneimpact copolymer, high density polyethylene (HDPE), medium densitypolyethylene (MDPE), low density polyethylene (LDPE), linear low densitypolyethylene (LLDPE), very low density polyethylene (VLDPE), ethyleneplastomer, ethylene-α-olefin elastomer and blends thereof. It will bereadily understood that the foregoing list of suitable ethylene polymersis non-exhaustive, and includes both Ziegler-Natta- and singlesite-catalyzed, e.g., metallocene-catalyzed, versions thereof. Inpreferred embodiments, the ethylene polymer of the peelable polyolefinicblend is a linear ethylene homo- or copolymer or an ethylene-α-olefinelastomer.

LLDPE has: a melt index of from less than 1 to 10 g/10 min (as measuredaccording to ASTM D1238) and a density in the range of from 0.88 to0.94g/cm³, preferably from 0.89 to 0.92 g/cm³. It may be derived fromethylene together with other higher comonomers, such as butene-1,hexene-1 or octene-1.

HDPE is a substantially linear polyolefin having a density of, forexample, from about 0.941 g/cm³ or higher, e.g., from about 0.952 g/cm³to about 0.970 g/cm³, and a melting point of, for example, from about266° F. to about 299° F. (from about 130° C. to about 148° C.).

MDPE has a density in the range of from about 0.926 g/cm³ to about 0.940g/cm³.

LDPE has a density in the range of from 0.90 g/cm³ to 0.94 g/cm³, e.g.,from 0.910 g/cm³ to 0.926 g/cm³, and a melt index of from less than 1 to10 g/10 min (as measured according to ASTM D1238). LDPE may be derivedsolely from ethylene in a high pressure polymerization. LLDPE is madefrom ethylene together with a comonomer, including but not limited tohigher olefin comonomers containing 4 to 12 carbon atoms, e.g.,butene-1, hexene-1, or octene-1, e.g., in a gas phase linear low densitypolyethylene (LLDPE) process or in a solution LLDPE process usingZiegler-Natta or single-site, e.g., metallocene, catalysts. When LDPEhas been polymerized at high pressure, it is typically referred to ashigh-pressure polyethylene or branch polyethylene.

VLDPE, which is sometimes referred to as ultra low density polyethylene(ULDPE), is a very low density polyethylene that has a density at orbelow 0.915 g/cm³, e.g., from about 0.86 to about 0.915 g/cm³, a meltindex in the range of about 1.5 dg/min to about 7.5 dg/min, and amelting point in the range of about 60° C. to about 115° C., measured asDSC peak T_(m). VLDPE is typically produced in a high pressure,peroxide-catalyzed reaction or in a solution process. When producedusing a metallocene or other single-site catalyst, VLDPE is commonlyreferred to as a type of plastomer.

Ethylene-propylene impact copolymer may be produced in two reactors. Afirst reactor generates, e.g., isotactic propylene homopolymer. In asecond reactor, ethylene and propylene are polymerized to create anethylene-propylene elastomer. The isotactic propylene homopolymer of thefirst reactor may be transferred to the ethylene-propylene elastomer ofthe second reactor, wherein the ethylene-propylene elastomer isdispersed in the isotactic propylene homopolymer phase at a ratio offrom 60-95% by weight of isotactic propylene homopolymer and from 5-40%by weight of ethylene-propylene elastomer, each based on the totalweight of the final impact copolymer.

When the peelable polyolefinic blend comprises ethylene-α-olefin blockcopolymer, the block copolymer comprises from about 3 to about 25 wt %ethylene, based on the total weight of the block copolymer. The term“block” is used in the ordinary sense both here and throughout, meaninga polymer made up of alternating sections of ethylene or polyethyleneand sections of a different olefin. For example, in anethylene-propylene block copolymer, the ethylene or polyethylenesections alternate with propylene or polypropylene sections.

When the peelable polyolefinic blend comprises ethylene-α-olefinelastomer, the elastomer comprises from 50 mol % to 80 mol % ethylene,based on the total moles of the elastomer. The α-olefin of theethylene-α-olefin elastomer may be a C₃ to C₁₂ olefin; preferably, theα-olefin is propylene.

In addition, ethylene-α-olefin elastomer may be added as a supplementalcomponent to a core layer comprising a peelable polyolefinic blend ininstances where the peelable polyolefinic blend itself does not comprisean ethylene-α-olefin elastomer. For example, a core layer comprising apeelable polyolefinic blend may be supplemented with from about 1 toabout 5 wt % of an ethylene-α-olefin elastomer. The addition of fromabout 1 to about 5 wt % of an ethylene-α-olefin elastomer to a corelayer comprising a peelable polyolefinic blend enhances the overall tearresistance of the sealable and peelable film.

Commercially available polyethylenes suitable for the peelablepolyolefinic blend include an ethylene-propylene block copolymer sold byHimont as “8523”; a LLDPE sold by Exxon as “LL3001”; ametallocene-catalyzed plastomer ethylene-hexene copolymer sold by Exxonas “SLP 9045”; a HDPE sold by Oxychem as “M6211”; a LDPE sold by Chevronas “PE1019”; a metallocene-catalyzed polyethylene sold by Exxon as“Exact 2009”; a LLDPE sold by Eastman Chemical as “Eastman L72108x”; anethylene-propylene elastomer that has 60 mol % ethylene sold by Exxon as“Exxelor PE901”; and a LLDPE sold by Dow Chemical as “Dowlex 2038.”

Although any polyolefin incompatible with polyethylene may be chosen forthe peelable polyolefinic blend, in a preferred embodiment, a propylenepolymer is employed, and in a particularly preferred embodiment, apropylene homopolymer is employed. The term “propylene polymer,” as usedhere and throughout, includes propylene homo-, co- and terpolymers. Theparticularly preferred propylene homopolymer may be predominantlyisotactic, syndiotactic or atactic, and may include a blend of any ofthe foregoing forms of propylene homopolymer. The propylene homopolymermay be produced by using Ziegler-Natta or single site, e.g.,metallocene, catalysts.

For example, the particularly preferred propylene homopolymer may be anisotactic propylene homopolymer having (i) an isotacticity of from about85 to 99%, (ii) a melting point of from about 311° F. (155° C.) to about329° F. (165° C.), and (iii) a melt flow rate of from about 0.5 to about15 g/10 minutes (as measured according to ASTM D1238).

Propylene homopolymers available developmentally or commercially andsuitable for the peelable polyolefinic blend includemetallocene-catalyzed propylene homopolymers, such as EOD 96-21 and EOD97-09, from Fina Oil and Chemical Co., EXPP-129, from ExxonMobilChemical Co., Novalen M, from BASF GmbH., and Ziegler-Natta-catalyzedpropylene homopolymers, such as “Fina 3371” sold by Fina Oil andChemical Company.

The respective amounts present in the peelable polyolefinic blend of (i)ethylene polymer and (ii) polyolefin incompatible with the ethylenepolymer may vary over a wide range. For example, the peelablepolyolefinic blend may comprise from about 20 to about 80 wt % of (i)ethylene polymer and from about 80 to about 20 wt % of (ii) incompatiblepolyolefin, each based on the total weight of the peelable polyolefinicblend. In a preferred embodiment, the peelable polyolefinic blendcomprises from about 20 to about 40 wt % of (i) ethylene polymer andfrom about 80 to about 60 wt % of (ii) incompatible polyolefin, eachbased on the total weight of the peelable polyolefinic blend.

In the particular case where the ethylene polymer (i) of the peelablepolyolefinic blend is an ethylene-α-olefin elastomer, the peelablepolyolefinic blend may comprise from about 10 to about 35 wt % ofethylene-α-olefin elastomer and from about 90 to about 65 wt % ofpropylene homopolymer. Preferably, the peelable polyolefinic blendcomprises from about 10 to about 20 wt % of ethylene-α-olefin elastomerand from about 90 to about 80 wt % of propylene homopolymer.

The sealable and peelable film structure may be clear or opaque.

The thickness of the core layer comprising a peelable, polyolefinicblend may be important in some embodiments. For example, thepolyolefinic blend-containing core layer of a clear film structure ispreferably from 7.5 to 70 μm thick, with a total film thickness rangingfrom 11 to 100 μm, e.g., from 11 to 75 μm thick. On the other hand, thepolyolefinic blend-containing core layer of an opaque film structure ispreferably from 7.5 to 15 μm thick, with a cavitated core layerpreferably from 7.5 to 55 μm thick, a total two core layer thickness ofpreferably from 15 to 70 μm, and a total film thickness of from 17.5 to100 μm, e.g., from 17.5 to 75 μm thick.

For clear embodiments, the layers of the sealable and peelable filmstructure, including the core layer comprising a peelable polyolefinicblend described in detail above, and other layers of the film structureyet to be described in detail, are devoid of any cavitating agent oropacifying agent. In addition, the respective amounts of (i) ethylenepolymer and (ii) polyolefin incompatible with the ethylene polymerpresent in the peelable polyolefinic blend may be specifically selectedto meet optimal optical clarity objectives through routineexperimentation.

For opaque embodiments, a cavitating agent and/or an opacifying agentmay be added to any one or more of the layers of the film structure. Inpreferred opaque embodiments, however, the core layer comprising apeelable polyolefinic blend is devoid of any cavitating agent oropacifying agent, and the sealable and peelable film structure derivesits opacity from one or more cavitated core layers. For example, in apreferred opaque embodiment, the sealable and peelable film structuremay comprise a cavitated first core layer and a non-cavitated secondcore layer comprising the peelable polyolefinic blend, i.e., the corelayer previously described in detail.

A cavitated core layer according to the invention comprises afilm-forming, thermoplastic polymer. The film-forming, thermoplasticpolymer of the cavitated core layer is not particularly limited, and mayinclude any such polymer known in the art, or any such blend ofpolymers. Preferably, the thermoplastic polymer comprises a film-formingpolyolefin, be it either Ziegler-Natta- or single site-catalyzed. Mostpreferably, the thermoplastic polymer comprises a film-forming ethylenepolymer or propylene polymer.

In general, if the thermoplastic polymer is a propylene polymer, it ispredominantly isotactic, syndiotactic or atactic. The propylene polymer,however, may comprise greater than about 80 wt % of isotacticpolypropylene, based on the entire weight of the propylene polymer, orgreater than about 80 wt % of syndiotactic polypropylene, based on theentire weight of the propylene polymer. As a particular example, thethermoplastic polymer of the cavitated core layer may comprise anisotactic propylene homopolymer that has (i) an isotacticity of fromabout 85 to 99%, (ii) a melting point of from about 311° F. (155° C.) toabout 329° F. (165° C.), and (iii) a melt flow rate of from about 0.5 toabout 15 g/10 minutes (as measured according to ASTM D1238). On theother hand, if the thermoplastic polymer of the cavitated core layer isan ethylene polymer, it will typically be high density polyethylene(HDPE).

A cavitated core layer according to the invention also comprises acavitating agent(s) dispersed within the film-forming thermoplasticpolymer before extrusion and orientation. A suitable cavitating agent(s)includes any organic or inorganic material that is incompatible with,and has a higher melting point than, the film-forming thermoplasticpolymer of the cavitated core layer, at least at the orientationtemperature.

For example, the cavitating agent(s) may be any of those described inU.S. Pat. Nos. 4,377,616 and 4,632,869, the entire disclosures of whichare incorporated herein by reference. Specific examples of thecavitating agent(s) include polybutyleneterephthalatc (PBT), nylon,ethylene-norborene, cyclic olefin copolymer, syndiotactic polystyrene,syndiotactic polystyrene copolymer, a solid preformed glass sphere, ahollow preformed glass sphere, a metal bead, a metal sphere, a ceramicsphere, calcium carbonate (CaCO₃), and combinations thereof. When acavitated core layer comprising a cavitating agent(s) is subjected touniaxial or biaxial orientation, a cavity forms, providing a film havingan opaque appearance.

Suitable cavitating agents for the invention may be availablecommercially. For example, PBT1300A, available from Ticona, is apolybutyleneterephthalate (PBT). When mixed with molten polypropylene,e.g., Fina 3371 propylene homopolymer, it forms particles of a sphericalshape that have a mean particle size of from 1 to 3 μm. 6080HD,available from Schulman, is a masterbatch of high density polyethylene(HDPE) and calcium carbonate (CaCO₃). 6080HD is 60 wt % CaCO₃ and 40 wt% HDPE.

In general, the particle size of the cavitating agent(s) may be, forexample, from about 0.1 micron to about 10 microns, more preferably fromabout 0.2 micron to about 2 microns. The cavitating agent(s) may also beof any desired shape. For example, the cavitating agent(s) may besubstantially spherical. The cavitating agent(s) may be present in thecavitated core layer in an amount of less than 30 wt %, for example from2 wt % to 20 wt %, e.g., from 5 wt % to 10 wt %, based on the totalweight of the cavitated core layer.

The cavitating agent(s) may be dispersed within the film-formingthermoplastic polymer by blending the cavitating agent(s) and thethermoplastic polymer at a temperature above the melting point of thethermoplastic polymer. The blending may take place in, e.g., anextruder, including a single-screw extruder and a co-rotating,intermeshing twin screw extruder.

The cavitated core layer may also comprise an opacifying agent. Examplesof the opacifying agent include iron oxide, carbon black, titaniumdioxide, talc, and combinations thereof. The opacifying agent may bepresent in the cavitated core layer in an amount of from 1 to 25 wt %,for example from 1 to 8 wt %, e.g., from about 2 to about 4 wt %, basedon the total weight of the cavitated core layer. Aluminum is anotherexample of an opacifying agent that may be used. Aluminum may beincluded in the cavitated core layer as an opacifying agent in an amountof from 0.01 to 1.0 wt %, e.g., from about 0.25 to about 0.85 wt %,based on the total weight of the cavitated core layer.

The sealable and peelable film structure comprises a pair of outerlayers. At least one of the outer layers is a sealable outer layer.

In general, the sealable outer layer comprises a coextrudable orextrusion-coatable material that forms a seal, either with itself or toother surfaces, upon application of elevated temperatures and, at leastslight, pressure. Examples of thermoplastic materials which can be usedfor the scalable outer layer include olefinic homo-, co- andterpolymers. The olefinic monomers can comprise 2 to 8 carbon atoms.

Specific examples of thermoplastic materials suitable for the sealableouter layer include ethylene-propylene random copolymer,ethylene-butene-1 copolymer, ethylene-propylene-butene-1 terpolymer,propylene-butene copolymer, low density polyethylene (LDPE) orhigh-pressure polyethylene, linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE),very low density polyethylene (VLDPE), single-site metallocene-catalyzedethylene copolymer, including single-site metallocene-catalyzedethylene-hexene copolymer, single-site metallocene-catalyzedethylene-butene copolymer, and single-site metallocene-catalyzedethylene-octene copolymer, single-site metallocene-catalyzed polymerknown by the term plastomer, ethylene-methacrylic acid copolymer,ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer, and ionomer resin. A blend of any twoor more of the foregoing thermoplastic materials is also contemplated,such as a blend of the plastomer and ethylene-butene copolymer.

As mentioned, one outer layer may be a sealable outer layer, or bothouter layers may be sealable outer layers. In the case where both outerlayers are sealable outer layers, the materials employed in each outerlayer may be the same or different. In the case where only one outerlayer is a sealable outer layer, the other outer layer, i.e., thenon-sealable outer layer, may comprise a film-forming, thermoplasticpolymer.

The film-forming, thermoplastic polymer of the non-sealable outer layeris not particularly limited, and may include any such polymer known inthe art, or any such blend of polymers. Preferably, the thermoplasticpolymer comprises a film-forming polyolefin, be it either Ziegler-Natta-or single-site metallocene-catalyzed. Most preferably, the thermoplasticpolymer comprises a film-forming ethylene polymer or propylene polymer.For example, the thermoplastic polymer of the non-scalable outer layermay comprise an igotactic propylene homopolymer, a propylene copolymeror high density polyethylene (HDPE).

To broadly summarize the invention as described thus far, there areprovided clear, sealable and peelable film structure embodiments andopaque, sealable and peelable film structure embodiments. In the clearembodiments, the film structure comprises a core layer comprising apeelable, polyolefinic blend and a pair of outer layers. In the opaqueembodiments, the film structure preferably comprises a non-cavitatedcore layer comprising a peelable, polyolefinic blend, one or morecavitated core layers, and a pair of outer layers. For both the clearand opaque embodiments, at least one of the outer layers is a sealableouter layer. The individual layers in the opaque embodiments arepreferably arranged in a manner such that the core layer comprising apeelable, polyolefinic blend is positioned between the sealable outerlayer and the one or more cavitated core layers.

Whether clear or opaque, sealable and peelable film structures accordingto the invention may additionally comprise one or more intermediatelayers. For example, a clear, sealable and peelable film structure maybe prepared that has one or more intermediate layers positioned (i)between the core layer and a first outer layer and/or (ii) between thecore layer and a second outer layer. Likewise, an opaque, sealable andpeelable film structure may be prepared that has one or moreintermediate layers positioned (i) between a core layer and a firstouter layer and/or (ii) between a core layer and a second outer layerand/or (iii) between the core layer comprising a peelable polyolefinicblend and the one or more cavitated core layers and/or (iv) between twocavitated core layers for embodiments where there is more than onecavitated core layer.

Although the presence of one or more intermediate layers in opaqueembodiments may mean that the core layer comprising a peelable,polyolefinic blend is no longer positioned directly between, i.e.,directly adjacent to, the sealable outer layer and the one or morecavitated core layers, it will be readily understood that the core layercomprising a peelable, polyolefinic blend is still preferablypositioned, in a general sense, i.e., indirectly, between the sealableouter layer and the one or more cavitated core layers.

An intermediate layer according to the invention comprises afilm-forming, thermoplastic polymer. The film-forming, thermoplasticpolymer of the intermediate layer is not particularly limited, and mayinclude any such polymer known in the art, or any such blend ofpolymers. Preferably, the thermoplastic polymer comprises a film-formingpolyolefin, be it either Ziegler-Natta- or single-sitemetallocene-catalyzed. Most preferably, the thermoplastic polymercomprises a film-forming ethylene polymer or propylene polymer.

In general, if the thermoplastic polymer is a propylene polymer, it ispredominantly isotactic, syndiotactic or atactic. The propylene polymer,however, may comprise greater than about 80 wt % of isotacticpolypropylene, based on the entire weight of the propylene polymer, orgreater than about 80 wt % of syndiotactic polypropylene, based on theentire weight of the propylene polymer. As a particular example, thethermoplastic polymer of the intermediate layer may comprise anisotactic propylene homopolymer that has (i) an isotacticity of fromabout 89 to 99%, (ii) a melting point of from about 311° F. (155° C.) toabout 329 F. (165° C.), and (iii) a melt flow rate of from about 0.5 toabout 15 g/10 minutes (as measured according to ASTM D1238). On theother hand, if the thermoplastic polymer of the intermediate layer is anethylene polymer, it will typically be high density polyethylene (HDPE).

According to a particularly preferred embodiment, a clear, sealable andpeelable film structure comprises an intermediate layer comprising apropylene homopolymer between the core layer comprising a peelable,polyolefinic blend and the sealable outer layer. The inventors havefound that positioning an intermediate layer comprising a propylenehomopolymer between the core layer and sealable outer layer maximizesthe peelability of the layer(s) on the side of the core layer oppositethe sealable outer layer from the sealable outer layer withoutsubstantially destroying either the layer(s) or the sealable outerlayer.

Although it is not preferred, an intermediate layer comprising apropylene homopolymer may also be positioned between the core layercomprising the peelable, polyolefinic blend and the sealable outer layerin opaque embodiments of the invention.

The thickness of an intermediate layer may be important in someembodiments. For example, the thickness of an intermediate layerpositioned between a core layer comprising a peelable, polyolefinicblend and a sealable outer layer is preferably from 1 to 3 μm in bothclear and opaque embodiments. In this regard, an intermediate layerpositioned between a core layer comprising a peelable, polyolefinicblend and a sealable outer layer may improve the optical gloss andclarity of a clear film and the optical gloss of an opaque film. If theintermediate layer in these applications is greater than 3 μm, thepeel-separation surface of the sample after the peel test is not clean,i.e., some fiber tails are present, even if it is still a peelable seal.If the intermediate layer thickness is below 1 μm in these applicationsis less than 1 μm, the optical property improvement is not effective dueto film processing difficulty.

In order to modify or enhance certain properties of the sealable andpeelable film structure for specific end uses, it is possible for one ormore of the layers to contain appropriate additives in effectiveamounts. The term “effective amount,” as used herein and throughout, isan amount sufficient to achieve the desired effect, e.g., anantiblocking effect for antiblock additives or an antistatic effect forantistatic additives. Examples of suitable additives may include, butare not limited to, waxes, pigments, colorants, antioxidants,antiozonants, antifogs, antistats, slip additives, antiblock additives,fillers such as diatomaceous earth and carbon black, and combinationsthereof.

One or more barrier additives may be employed in one or more of thelayers of the invention. Suitable barrier additives include, but are notlimited to, low molecular weight resins, such as hydrocarbon resins, andmore particularly, petroleum resins, styrene resins, cyclopentadieneresins, terpene resins, and alicyclic resins. These types of barrieradditives are further described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,254,394, which isincorporated herein by reference.

Typically, a commercially available intensive mixer, such as those ofthe Bolling- or Banbury-type, may be employed in mixing a concentrate ofthe additive material and the polymer(s) of the selected layer untilthere is a uniform dispersion of the additive material in the polymer orpolymer blend.

The sealable and peelable film structure may be surface-treated on theouter surfaces of one or both outer layers. The outer surface(s) may besurface-treated during or after orientation. The surface treatment canbe carried out by any method, including, but not limited to, coronadischarge treatment, flame treatment, and plasma treatment. The outersurface(s) may be treated to a surface tension level of at least about35 dynes/cm, e.g. from about 38 to 55 dynes/cm, in accordance with ASTMStandard D2578-84.

As described earlier, at least one of the outer layers of the sealableand peelable film structure is a sealable outer layer. In certainembodiments, one outer layer will be a sealable outer layer and a secondouter layer is metallized via the application thereto of a thin layer ofmetal.

The metallization may be by vacuum deposition, or any othermetallization technique, such as electroplating or sputtering. The metalmay be aluminum, or any other metal capable of being vacuum deposited,electroplated, or sputtered, such as, for example, gold, zinc, copper,or silver.

Typically, a metal layer is applied to an optical density of from 1.5 to5.0, e.g., from 1.8 to 2.6. Optical density is a measure of theabsorption of visual light, and is determined by standard techniques. Tocalculate optical density, a commercial densitometer may be used, suchas a Macbeth model TD 932, Tobias Densitometer model TDX or Macbethmodel TD903. The densitometer is set to zero with no film specimen. Afilm specimen is placed over the aperture plate of the densitometer withthe test surface facing upwards. The probe arm is pressed down and theresulting optical density value is recorded.

The sealable and peelable film structure may have a coating layerapplied to the outer surfaces of one or both of its outer layers. Forexample, a coating may be applied to the sealable outer layer tofacilitate sealing of the film to itself or to another film surface.Preferably, any coating applied onto the outer surface of a metallizedouter layer is applied after the outer surface has been metallized,i.e., the coating is actually applied onto the metal layer that has beendeposited on the outer layer. Examples of suitable coatings include, butare not limited to, ethylene-acrylic acid copolymer (EAA),ethylene-methacrylic acid copolymer (EMA), alkyl acrylate copolymer,acrylonitrile, polyvinylidene chloride (PVdC), polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH),and urethane copolymer.

The sealable and peelable film structure may be manufactured using filmtechnology that is well-known to those skilled in the art. For example,melts corresponding to the individual layers of the film structure maybe prepared. The melts may be cast-extruded or coextruded into a sheetusing a flat die or blown-extruded or coextruded using a tubular die.The sheets may then be oriented either uniaxially or biaxially by knownstretching techniques.

In a particular embodiment, the outer layers are coextruded with theother layers of the film structure. In another embodiment, only one ofthe outer layers is coextruded with the other layers of the filmstructure. The other outer layer is extrusion-coated onto an outersurface of the film structure. In yet another embodiment, each outerlayer is extrusion-coated onto a respective outer surface of the filmstructure. Regarding extrusion-coating, it may be performed after thefilm has been oriented or in the middle of the orientation process. Forexample, after orienting a coextruded sheet in the machine direction, anouter layer may be extrusion-coated onto an outer surface thereof,followed by transverse direction orientation.

The following examples illustrate the present invention. For eachexample, a coextruded, biaxially oriented film was prepared using therespective olefinic polymer resins described below. Specifically, theparticular polymer resins were melted at a temperature ranging fromabout 245 to about 290° C., the molten polymers were coextruded througha slot die in sheet form, and the coextruded sheet was oriented(sequentially) in the machine direction (about 3 to about 8 times atabout 100° C.) and in the transverse direction (about 5 to about 12times at about 160° C.).

The peelability for each film in Examples 1-9 was tested as follows. Thefilm was sealed by crimp-sealing the seal layer (layer C in Examples1-3; layer D in Examples 4-9) to itself. Then a tester tried to pull theseal apart. For each of the films in Examples 1-9, the tester was ableto separate the seal without severing the film, i.e., without creating az-direction tear, indicating the effective performance of the peelablefilm structure.

For the films of Examples 4-9, the film's sealability was tested toconfirm that the seal strength of the peelable film structure was notadversely impacted. Specifically, the seal strength for each of thefilms of Examples 4-9 was evaluated by crimp-sealing the seal layer toitself at 260° F., 20 psi pressure, and ¾ second dwell time. Thecrimp-sealed sample was cut into 1 inch width and peeled apart at a 180°angle by an Instron Tensile machine at the speed of 0.3 m/min. The peelforce versus separation distance was recorded into a chart by acomputer, and the peak crimp seal strength and average peel propagationstrength, i.e., the plateau crimp seal strength, were measured (as shownin Tables 1 and 2).

EXAMPLE 1

A three-layer clear film with an A/B/C structure was prepared, whereinlayer A is a skin layer about 1 μm thick comprising a propylenehomopolymer, layer B is a peelable core layer about 20 μm thickcomprising a blend of 70 wt % propylene homopolymer and 30 wt %metallocene-catalyzed polyethylene, and layer C is a sealable skin layerabout 1 μm thick comprising an ethylene-propylene-butene terpolymer. Thefilm was coextruded and biaxially oriented.

The tester succeeded in pulling apart the seal without creating az-direction tear, which confirmed that the film was a peelable film.

EXAMPLE 2

A three-layer clear film with an A/B/C structure was prepared, whereinlayer A is a skin layer about 1 μm thick comprising a propylenehomopolymer, layer B is a peelable core layer about 20 μm thickcomprising a blend of 70 wt % propylene homopolymer and 30 wt %metallocene-catalyzed polyethylene, and layer C is a sealable skin layerabout 1 μm thick comprising a metallocene-catalyzed polyethylene. Thefilm was coextruded and biaxially oriented.

The tester succeeded in pulling apart the seal without creating az-direction tear, which confirmed that the film was a peelable film.

EXAMPLE 3

A three-layer opaque film with an B1/B2/C structure was prepared,wherein layer B1 is a cavitated core layer about 18 μm thick comprising82 wt % of propylene homopolymer and 18 wt % of calcium carbonate(CaCO₃), layer B2 is a peelable core layer about 7.5 μm thick comprisinga blend of 70 wt % propylene homopolymer and 30 wt %metallocene-catalyzed polyethylene, and layer C is a sealable skin layerabout 1 μm thick comprising an ethylene-propylene-butene terpolymer. Thefilm was coextruded and biaxially oriented.

The tester succeeded in pulling apart the seal without creating az-direction tear, which confirmed that the film was a peelable film.

EXAMPLE 4

A four-layer clear film with an A/B/C/D structure was prepared, whereinlayer A is a skin layer about 1.75 μn thick comprising Fina 3371propylene homopolymer, layer B is a peelable core layer about 15 μmthick comprising a blend of 70 wt % Fina 3371 propylene homopolymer and30 wt % Eastman L72108x linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE), layer Cis an intermediate layer about 2.5 μm thick comprising Fina 3371propylene homopolymer, and layer D is a sealable skin layer about 0.75μm thick comprising Chisso 7701 ethylene-propylene-butene-1 terpolymerfrom Chisso Company, Japan. The film was coextruded and biaxiallyoriented.

The tester succeeded in pulling apart the seal without creating az-direction tear, which confirmed that the film was a peelable film. Thegloss, haze, and seal strength of the film were measured, and theresults are presented at Table 1 below.

EXAMPLE 5

A four-layer clear film with an A/B/C/D structure was prepared, whereinlayer A is a skin layer about 4.25 μm thick comprising Fina 3371propylene homopolymer, layer B is a peelable core layer about 15 μmthick comprising a blend of 70 wt % Fina 3371 propylene homopolymer and30 wt % Eastman L72108x linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE), layer Cis an intermediate layer about 2.5 μm thick comprising Fina 3371propylene homopolymer, and layer D is a sealable skin layer about 0.75μm thick comprising Chisso 7701 ethylene-propylene-butene-1 terpolymer.The film was coextruded and biaxially oriented.

The tester succeeded in pulling apart the seal without creating az-direction tear, which confirmed that the film was a peelable film. Thegloss, haze, and seal strength of the film were measured, and theresults are presented at Table 1 below.

EXAMPLE 6

A four-layer clear film with an A/B/C/D structure was prepared, whereinlayer A is a skin layer about 1.75 μm thick comprising Fina 3371propylene homopolymer, layer B is a peelable core layer about 15 μmthick comprising a blend of 70 wt % Fina 3371 propylene homopolymer and30 wt % Dowlex 2038 linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE), layer C isan intermediate layer about 2.5 μm thick comprising Fina 3371 propylenehomopolymer, and layer D is a sealable skin layer about 0.75 μm thickcomprising Chisso 7701 ethylene-propylene-butene-1 terpolymer. The filmwas coextruded and biaxially oriented.

The tester succeeded in pulling apart the seal without creating az-direction tear, which confirmed that the film was a peelable film. Thegloss, haze, and seal strength of the film were measured, and theresults are presented at Table 1 below.

EXAMPLE 7

A four-layer clear film with an AIB/C/D structure was prepared, whereinlayer A is a skin layer about 1.25 μm thick comprising Fina 3371propylene homopolymer, layer B is a peelable core layer about 15 μmthick comprising a blend of 70 wt % Fina 3371 propylene homopolymer and30 wt % Eastman L72108x linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE), layer Cis an intermediate layer about 2.5 μm thick comprising Fina 3371propylene homopolymer, and layer D is a sealable skin layer about 1.25μm thick comprising a blend of 30 wt % Chisso 7701ethylene-propylene-butene-1 terpolymer and 70 wt % Elvax 3128ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA). The film was coextruded and biaxiallyoriented.

The tester succeeded in pulling apart the seal without creating az-direction tear, which confirmed that the film was a peelable film. Thegloss, haze, and seal strength of the film were measured, and theresults are presented at Table 1 below.

EXAMPLE 7A

A four-layer clear film with an A/B/C/D structure was prepared, whereinlayer A is a skin layer about 1.25 μm thick comprising Fina 3371propylene homopolymer, layer B is a peelable core layer about 15 μmthick comprising a blend of 90 wt % Fina 3371 propylene homopolymer and10 wt % Exxon Exxelor PE901 ethylene-propylene elastomer with 60 mol %ethylene, layer C is an intermediate layer about 2 μm thick comprisingFina 3371 propylene homopolymer, and layer D is a sealable skin layerabout 1.25 μm thick comprising Chisso 7701 ethylene-propylene-butene-1terpolymer. The film was coextruded and biaxially oriented.

The tester succeeded in pulling apart the seal without creating aZ-direction tear, which confirmed that the film was a peelable film. Thegloss, haze, and seal strength of the film were measured, and theresults are presented at Table 1 below.

TABLE 1 PEELABLE, CLEAR FILM DATA Crimp Seal @ 260° F. Plateau PeakPlateau/ Ex. Gloss¹ (%) Haze² (%) (g/in) (g/in) Peak 4 89.7 1.9 423 45892% 5 89.5 1.9 432 492 88% 6 90.1 1.5 433 494 88% 7 68.5 5.6 363 486 75%7A 84.1 3.0 574 639 90% ¹The gloss of the film was determined inaccordance with ASTM D2457 (ExxonMobil 442). ²The haze of the film wasdetermined in accordance with ASTM D1003 (ExxonMobil 444).

EXAMPLE 8

A four-layer opaque film with an A/B/C/D structure was prepared, whereinlayer A is a skin layer about 3.75 μm thick comprising Fina 3371propylene homopolymer, layer B is a cavitated core layer about 17.5 μmthick comprising 94 wt % Fina 3371 propylene homopolymer and 6 wt %Ticona PBT1300A polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), layer C is a peelablecore layer about 7.5 μm thick comprising 70 wt % Fina 3371 propylenehomopolymer and 30 wt % Dowlex 2038 linear low density polyethylene(LLDPE), and layer D is a sealable skin layer about 0.75 μm thickcomprising Chisso 7701 ethylene-propylene-butene-1 terpolymer. The filmwas coextruded and biaxially oriented.

The tester succeeded in pulling apart the seal without creating az-direction tear, which confirmed that the film was a peelable film. Thelight transmission and seal strength of the film were measured, and theresults are presented at Table 2 below.

EXAMPLE 9

A four-layer opaque film with an A/B/C/D structure was prepared, whereinlayer A is a skin layer about 3.75 μm thick comprising Fina 3371propylene homopolymer, layer B is a cavitated core layer about 17.5 μmthick comprising 80 wt % Fina 3371 propylene homopolymer and 20 wt % ofSchulman 6080HD calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) masterbatch, layer C is apeelable core layer about 7.5 μm thick comprising 70 wt % Fina 3371propylene homopolymer and 30 wt % Eastman L72108x linear low densitypolyethylene (LLDPE), and layer D is a sealable skin layer about 0.75 μmthick comprising Chisso 7701 ethylene-propylene-butene-1 terpolymer. Thefilm was coextruded and biaxially oriented.

The tester succeeded in pulling apart the seal without creating az-direction tear, which confirmed that the film was a peelable film. Thelight transmission and seal strength of the film were measured, and theresults are presented at Table 2 below.

TABLE 2 PEELABLE, OPAQUE FILM DATA Light Crimp Seal @ 260° F. Ex.transmission¹ (%) Plateau (g/in) Peak (g/in) Plateau/Peak 8 27.4 641 73787% 9 34.7 517 534 89% ¹The light transmission of the film wasdetermined according to ASTM D1003 (ExxonMobil 456).

What is claimed is:
 1. An oriented sealable and peelable film,comprising: (a) a non-sealable, first outer layer comprising athermoplastic polymer; (b) a core layer comprising a peelable blendcomprising (i) from 20-80 wt % of a polyethylene and (ii) from 80-20 wt% of a polyolefin incompatible with polyethylene (i) of core layer (b);(c) an intermediate layer comprising a propylene homopolymer, whereinintermediate layer (c) is positioned such that core layer (b) is betweenfirst outer layer (a) and intermediate layer (c); and (d) a sealablesecond outer layer comprising a thermoplastic polymer, wherein sealablesecond outer layer (d) is positioned such that intermediate layer (c) isbetween core layer (b) and sealable second outer layer (d).
 2. The filmof claim 1, wherein the polyethylene (i) of core layer (b) is selectedfrom the group consisting of linear ethylene homopolymer, linearethylene-α-olefin copolymer, single-site metallocene-catalyzed ethylenehomopolymer, single-site metallocene-catalyzed ethylene-α-olefincopolymer, ethylene-α-olefin block copolymer, ethylene-propylene impactcopolymer, and blends thereof, and wherein the α-olefin of the linearethylene-α-olefin copolymer and the α-olefin of the single-sitemetallocene catalyzed ethylene-α-olefin copolymer are independentlyselected from the group consisting of C₄-C₁₂ α-olefins.
 3. The film ofclaim 1, wherein the polyethylene (i) of core layer (b) isethylene-hexene copolymer.
 4. The film of claim 1, wherein thepolyethylene (i) of core layer (b) is ethylene-octene copolymer.
 5. Thefilm of claim 1, wherein the polyolefin (ii) incompatible with thepolyethylene (i) of core layer (b) is propylene homopolymer.
 6. The filmof claim 1, wherein the thermoplastic polymer of sealable second outerlayer (d) is selected from the group consisting of ethylene-propylenerandom copolymer, ethylene-propylene-butene-1 terpolymer,propylene-butene copolymer, low density polyethylene (LDPE), linearethylene-α-olefin copolymer, single-site metallocene-catalyzedethylene-α-olefin copolymer, ethylene-methacrylic acid copolymer,ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer, ionomex, and blends thereof.
 7. Thefilm of claim 1, wherein the thermoplastic polymer of non-sealable,first outer layer (a) is a propylene homopolymer or a propylenecopolymer.
 8. The film of claim 1, wherein core layer (b) comprises apeelable blend comprising (i) from 20-40 wt % of a polyethylene selectedfrom the group consisting of high density polyethylene (HDPE),ethylene-butene copolymer, ethylene-pentene copolymer, ethylene-exonecopolymer, ethylene-heptene copolymer, ethylene-octene copolymer,single-site metallocene-catalyzed ethylene homopolymer, single-sitemetallocene-catalyzed ethylene-hexene copolymer, single-sitemetallocene-catalyzed ethylene-octene copolymer, single-sitemetallocene-catalyzed plastomer, ethylene-α-olefin block copolymer,ethylene-propylene impact copolymer, and blends thereof and (ii) from80-60 wt % of propylene homopolymer.
 9. The film of claim 1, whereincore layer (b) is from 7.5 to 70 μm thick and intermediate layer (c) isfrom 1 to 3 μm thick.
 10. The film of claim 1, wherein one or both of anouter surface of non-sealable, first outer layer (a) and an outersurface of second outer layer (d) is surface-treated by a treatmentselect from the group consisting of corona discharge treatment, flametreatment, and plasma treatment.
 11. The film of claim 1, wherein anouter surface of non-sealable, first outer layer (a) has applied thereona coating selected from the group consisting of ethylene-acrylic acidcopolymer (EAA), ethylene-methacrylic acid copolymer (EMA), alkylacrylate copolymer, acrylonitrile, polyvinylidene chloride (PVdC),polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), and urethane copolymer.
 12. The film of claim1, wherein a metal layer is coated on an outer surface of non-sealable,first outer layer (a) by vacuum metallization.
 13. The film of claim 1,wherein the film has a ratio of plateau crimp seal strength to peakcrimp seal strength of greater than 60% and less than 100%.
 14. The filmof claim 1, wherein core layer (b) comprises from 1 wt % to 5 wt % of anethylene-α-olefin elastomer as a supplemental component.
 15. A method ofmanufacturing the film of claim 1, comprising the steps of: (a)coextruding melts corresponding to the thermoplastic polymer ofnon-sealable, first outer layer (a), the peelable blend of core layer(b), the propylene homopolymer of intermediate layer (c), and thethermoplastic polymer of sealable second outer layer (d); (b) quenchingthe melts to form a coextruded sheet; and (c) biaxially orienting thecoded sheet to form a sealable and peelable film.
 16. An orientedsealable and peelable film, comprising: (a) a non-sealable, first outerlayer comprising a thermoplastic polymer, (b) a core layer comprising apeelable blend comprising (i) from 10-35 wt % of ethylene-α-olefinelastomer and (ii) from 90-65 wt % of propylene homopolymer; (c) anintermediate layer comprising a propylene homopolymer, whereinintermediate layer (c) is positioned such that core layer (b) is betweenfirst outer layer (a) and intermediate layer (c); and (d) a sealablesecond outer layer comprising a thermoplastic polymer, wherein sealablesecond outer layer (d) is positioned such that intermediate layer (c) isbetween core layer (b) and sealable second outer layer (d).
 17. The filmof claim 16, wherein the ethylene-α-olefin elastomer is anethylene-propylene elastomer, and core layer (b) comprises a peelableblend comprising (i) from 10-20 wt % of ethylene-propylene elastomer and(ii) from 90-80 wt % of propylene homopolymer.